Best Roguelike Games 2024
Looking for your next roguelike addiction? We've compiled the ultimate list of action roguelikes, bullet heaven games, and Vampire Survivors-style games worth playing in 2024.
What Makes a Great Roguelike?
Satisfying Loop
Each run should feel rewarding, win or lose
Progression
Permanent unlocks and meta-progression
Build Variety
Multiple viable strategies and synergies
Replayability
Each run feels unique and fresh
Top Roguelike Games Compared
The ultimate action roguelike with 24 unique characters, deep weapon evolution system, and addictive gameplay loops. Perfect for fans who want variety and strategic depth.
Pros
- 24 unique playable characters
- Deep weapon evolution system
- Active community & frequent updates
- Multiple difficulty modes
- Works offline
Cons
- -Newer game with growing content
- -Steep learning curve for advanced builds
The game that popularized the "bullet heaven" genre. Simple controls, satisfying progression, and incredibly addictive gameplay.
Pros
- Pioneer of the genre
- Extremely addictive
- Regular content updates
- Cheap price point
- Huge community
Cons
- -Can feel repetitive
- -Simple graphics
- -Limited strategic depth
Award-winning roguelike with incredible story integration. Beautiful art, tight combat, and characters you actually care about.
Pros
- Incredible story
- Gorgeous art style
- Tight combat mechanics
- Great voice acting
- Rewarding progression
Cons
- -Higher price point
- -Can be challenging
- -Different gameplay style
Fast-paced arena roguelike with diverse characters. Each run is quick, making it perfect for short gaming sessions.
Pros
- Quick runs (10-15 min)
- Diverse character roster
- Unique build possibilities
- Great for mobile
Cons
- -Less content than competitors
- -Graphics may not appeal to all
Combines Vampire Survivors mechanics with more RPG elements. Features skill trees and deeper character customization.
Pros
- Deep skill trees
- More strategic gameplay
- Beautiful visual effects
- Active abilities
Cons
- -Can be overwhelming
- -Performance issues on older hardware
3D roguelike shooter with incredible variety. Every run feels unique with its massive item pool and synergies.
Pros
- Massive item variety
- 3D gameplay
- Great co-op
- High replayability
Cons
- -Steeper learning curve
- -Longer run times
- -Higher price
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between roguelike and roguelite?
Traditional roguelikes have complete resets on death. Roguelites (like Megabonk) have meta-progression that persists between runs, making each attempt build toward something.
What is a "bullet heaven" game?
A subgenre where you automatically attack while focusing on movement and upgrades. The screen fills with your attacks (the "heaven" part) as you progress.
Which roguelike is best for beginners?
Vampire Survivors and Megabonk are both beginner-friendly with simple controls. Start there before trying more complex games like Hades or Risk of Rain 2.
Can I play these games on mobile?
Vampire Survivors and Brotato have mobile versions. Most others are PC or console only. Check individual game pages for platform availability.